The national touring company of Thoroughly Modern Millie starts rehearsals in New York City June 9 toward a July 15 launch, and Matt Cavenaugh of Urban Cowboy is expected to play Jimmy on the tour.

Sources in the theatre community say Cavenaugh will play the devil-may-care flapper-era playboy who sings composer Jeanine Tesori and lyricist Dick Scanlan's Gershwinesque "What Do I Need With Love?" and "I Turned the Corner." His Broadway debut was as Bud, the title character in the short-lived Urban Cowboy this spring. His casting in Millie has not been officially announced.

Diana Kaarina, who died on the barricades as Eponine in the final Broadway performance of Les Misérables May 18, will play winsome rich girl, Miss Dorothy, a foil to Millie, played by the previously-confirmed Darcie Roberts (Broadway's Aida, among other shows).

Millie, based on the movie of the same name, but much altered with new songs and plotting, won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical, and snagged acting Tonys for newcomer Sutton Foster and featured actress Harriet Harris (who played the role of Mrs. Meers in Asian dragon lady drag). The libretto is by Scanlan and the late Richard Morris. The show focuses on a Kansas girl who seeks adventure and a rich husband in the Oz-worthy, Jazz-Age New York City of 1922.

Tech and dress rehearsals are in Green Bay, WI, July 7- 12, followed by a July 15-20 launch at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City.

The national tour is directed by Michael Mayer (Side Man, A View From the Bride) and recreated by the original creative team (including 2003 Best Choreography winner Rob Ashford and Best Costume Design winner Martin Pakledinaz).

Actress-singer Hollis Resnik (soon to sneer as Meers) recently released a CD of show tunes, "Make Someone Happy," on the M.A.M. Records label. The disc includes "All You Need Is a Quarter," "This Is What It Is," "Who's This Stranger," "Lion Taner," "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria," "I'm Tired of Loving You," "Barbara Song," "Can't Help Falling In Love With You," "A Trip to the Library," "Usual Way," "Life of the Party" and "Make Someone Happy."